Two Phil's Sharp in Penultimate Derby Work

Two Phil's , victor in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), hit the worktab April 16 at Hawthorne Race Course under the watchful eye of trainer Larry Rivelli. 

Sitting fifth in the points standings for the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1), Two Phil's breezed an even minute over five furlongs on the Illinois track's dirt course. 

"Really good," Rivelli said of the effort. "Probably couldn't have been happier. He worked in company with another horse of mine that's pretty fast for five-eighths. I wanted him to have something to chase. It was really good and pretty effortless. I'm probably going to work him one more time, a little bit more of a maintenance work than this one. 

"It's as good as can be because nothing went any different than I was hoping it would go. So that's half the battle."

Rivelli said the aim was to emulate what Two Phil's did in the Jeff Ruby. With the Derby less than three weeks away, the conditioner said his trainee is "at the peak of his game right now." 

After taking the Jeff Ruby by 5 1/4 lengths, it's hard to argue with that assertion. 

"If he takes a step forward just a tiny bit, he'll be tough to beat," Rivelli said. 

Rivelli said the plan is to ship Two Phil's, owned by Phil Sagan and Patricia's Hope, to Louisville a week before the 149th running of the Derby. Rivelli wants to keep the son of Hard Spun   away from as much commotion for as long as he can. 

But even in the pressure cooker that will be Churchill Downs, there's no reason to worry about Two Phil's. 

"He doesn't really sweat the small stuff," Rivelli said.